Plans for a huge new pickleball and padel club, set to be the largest in Europe, have been given the go-ahead by councillors in Surrey.
The HOPP, in Farnham, Surrey, will have 10 indoor pickleball courts and four for padel, making it the biggest European indoor venue to combine the two zeitgeist racket sports. Waverley Borough Council have granted the project planning permission and it’s expected to open in mid-2025.
The £2.5m project is the brainchild of Sally Grace and Andre Strachan (pictured above), who together won the 45+ mixed doubles title at the prestigious English Open Pickleball Championships in Telford in August. Strachan organises the South East Pickleball League which has been running since 2022.
Sally told our sister title Pickleball52.com: “We’re absolutely delighted that the HOPP has been given the go-ahead because it means Farnham will soon play host to Europe’s biggest indoor pickleball and padel club.
“The HOPP was born out of our passion for pickleball which is a sporting phenomenon that’s taking over the world and quickly growing in popularity across the South of England.
“And we’re keen to give people across our community the opportunity to experience a fun, accessible and addictive sport which we know is great for all ages and abilities.
“We’ve already been overwhelmed by the positive public reaction to our plans and we’re excited by the prospect of turning our vision into an exciting reality in Farnham.”
Andre added: “We know this will catch on with people across the community and the HOPP’s ‘PLAY TODAY PLAY FOREVER’ ethos underlines our commitment to making it a place Farnham can be proud of.”
With planning permission now in place, Sally and Andre will focus on transforming a 57,600-ft² warehouse that has stood vacant for the last two years and they will create a variety of full-time and part-time new jobs with the launch of THE HOPP.
As well as the pickleball and padel courts, THE HOPP will feature luxury social spaces, changing and catering facilities along with a club shop and expert coaching. There will be 176 parking spaces and 18 spots for bicycles.
